ssing silence. Nellie looked at Virginia. Virginia looked at Nellie. Then the two excused themselves for a whispered colloquy at the other end of the yard. When they returned, Virginia acted as spokesman, fixing Nellie with an unrelenting eye.
"That is Jesus nailed to the cross, Hannah. Some very wicked people did it."
There was nothing exciting in this to Hannah; wicked people were doing wicked things the world over, all the time. The statement fell flat, and Nellie, disappointed at the lack of dramatic effect, broke treaty. "I 'spect the Jews did it," she said.
"They did not!" Hannah's voice trembled. "The Jews are nice people; they wouldn't do a wicked thing like that!"
Virginia put an arm across Hannah's shoulders. "Now see what you've done," she snapped at Nellie.
"Oh, I 'spect the Irish helped them," Nellie added magnanimously. "My papa says the Irish are into every thing."
Not having to bear the ignominy alone Hannah was comforted. "What makes you say prayers o
